Sculpture by the Sea Exhibition Attracts 440,000

SYDNEY -- A giant paint splash and a steel camel with a bellyful of artefacts have taken out the People's Choice awards at this year's Sculpture by the Sea exhibition.

An estimated 440,000 people flocked to the annual outdoor seaside exhibition near Sydney's iconic Bondi Beach from October 28 to Sunday, November 14, which this year featured 109 sculptures.

On the final day, NSW artists Suzie Bleach and Andy Townsend were awarded the Allens Arthur Robinson People's Choice Prize of $5,000 for their sculpture, The Adaptable Migrant.

The life-sized steel camel contained in its belly a time capsule collection that included a ukulele, a sewing machine and books.

The random items represented the culture, history and memories brought by migrants to Australia.

Slovakian migrant and Bondi local Tomas Misura won the NAB Kids' Choice Prize of $3,000 for his energetic work Splash.

The giant stainless steel paint tube squirting red paint towards Bondi beach captures an artistic moment in time.

Exhibition founding director David Handley said nothing could stall the annual art event that attracts local and international artists.

"Rain, hail and shine, we've had it all this year and its been great fun," Mr Handley said in a statement.

In 2009, Sculpture by the Sea generated an estimated $23.7 million in spending by visitors.